Question

Bob is 9 years younger then Joe. Three years ago, the sum of their ages was 27. Write and solve an equation to determine how old they both are now.

Answer 1

12 and 21

Explanation:

Let the age of Bob is x then the age of Joe is x + 9

Three years ago Bob age is x - 3 and Joe is x + 9 - 3 = x + 6

The sum of their ages is (x - 3) + (x + 6) = 27

x - 3 + x + 6 = 27 Add like terms

2x + 3 = 27 Solve equation

2x = 27 - 3

2x = 24

x = 12

Bob = x =12

Joe = x + 9 = 12 + 9 = 21